THE BLOOD OF JESUS – A Further Look…


Hebrews 2:14-16 – “Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”  NKJV

Attempting to guard against going into something deeper than I should I want to address a few more things about the blood of Jesus and His relationship to Adam’s blood.  Jesus, the Bible declares was “born of a virgin” making Him man but not sharing the blood of Adam.  That in itself is incredible.  Had he been the child of Joseph and Mary He would have shared Adam’s blood and been a partaker of all that Adam was or the depravity of man.  Therefore, Jesus had a human body but blood for a separate source. 

In the text verse, we read the word children which clearly is human children.  Those children are said to be partakers of Flesh and Blood.  Then it speaks of Jesus and says that He himself likewise took part of the same.  The word “took part” as applying to Christ is completely different than the word “partakers” as it refers to the children. 

The word, “took part” implies “taking part in something outside oneself.”  The Greek word for “partakers” is KOYNONEHO and means “to share fully.”  Therefore, all of Adam’s descendants or children share fully in Adams’ flesh and blood.  Then we read that Jesus “took part” and the word used is METECHO which means “to take part but not all.”  The children took both flesh and blood of Adam, but Christ took only part.  He took the flesh part where the blood was a result of a supernatural conception.

Jesus, therefore, was a perfect human being after the flesh.  He was the seed of David according to the flesh.  Adam’s body was made of the dust of the earth and God breathed the breath of life into him which added the blood and man lived.  Adam’s blood was corrupted in the fall and since God made one the blood of all nations, the human race was tainted. 

Of course, we are all accountable for our sins and not charged with the sins of our parents but in the Fall, depravity set in and man had a bent toward evil came under the domain of darkness and needed a deliverer to cleanse him via the “Blood of the Lamb”.  He needed divine justice to be satisfied, Satan’s legal claim to be negated and become a New Creation in which we have the Blood of Christ applied to our souls.

Do you remember the confession of Judas in Matthew 27:4, “I have betrayed the innocent blood”?  That is powerful if you think about it.  Sin made human blood corruptible and because of sin death began its process in human beings and in death decay or corruption.  Remember that it was said of Jesus that His body would see no corruption.  It could not because it was not tainted blood in his veins.

If you are a believer and have received Jesus as your personal Savior, you now have the benefit of the Sinless Blood of Jesus applied to your soul.  You have passed from death unto life and death has lost its sting.  Remember the words of Romans 5:8-9 – “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, having been JUSTIFIED BY HIS BLOOD, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.”  (Emphasis mine).   It is through the Blood.  What can wash away my sins nothing but the Blood of Jesus!  What can make me whole again, nothing but the Blood of Jesus!  Oh, precious is that flow that makes me whiter than snow; no other fount I know, nothing but the Blood of Jesus!

May you walk in the purity of His precious blood all the days of your life.  Blessings!

THE BLOOD…


Leviticus 7:26-27 – “Moreover you shall not eat any blood in any of your dwellings, whether of bird or beast. 27 Whoever eats any blood, that person shall be cut off from his people.'”  NKJV

The Bible is a book of blood and those who seek to eliminate the Cross, suffering, and the blood from the gospel message do harm to the truth of God’s word.  The Bible clearly declares that “without the shedding of blood there is no remission”.  (Hebrews 9:22).  We used to sing, “There is Power in the Blood” and there is for in it is the very life and power of the Gospel.  The Bible is a “living” book and it lives because of the Blood of the Lamb. 

Hebrews 4:12declares, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of the soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  The Word of God is Alive!  In the KJV the translation is “quick” which means “alive” or “living”.  When we read the Bible, we are not just reading words on a page but that which we read is ALIVE!

Leviticus 17:11declares, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood…”  Life is that mysterious thing that scientists have never been able to fully and completely explain, define or fathom.  While scientists seek to define it, God declares it is “in the blood” and flesh is alive because of “the blood”.  I am not a scientist, chemist, or medical doctor so what I say is strictly from a layman’s understanding and research. 

The human body is nothing short of amazing and we are told that it is made up of many different types of tissues.  Some of those are defined as muscle, nerve, fat, gland, bone, connective tissue, etc.  All tissues have a common denominator, they are fixed cells and microscopically small having specific and limited function.  The Blood on the other hand is not fixed but mobile and is not restricted to one part of the body but is free to move throughout the body and if it ceases to flow to various parts those parts die.

The blood is incredibly mysterious for it is composed of many different elements, compounds, and strange chemical bodies many of which are still not understood, and their function not truly understood.  The Blood of Jesus is also essential to the Body of Christ.  The life of each member depends on His blood and is dependent upon it for life.  His blood brings nourishment, carries off waste (cleansing), and enables the body or cells within the Body of Christ (people) to grow and develop.  We are all one by the Blood of Jesus!  We are all related by the blood of Adam, but that blood was poisoned by disobedience and now we need a complete “exchange transfusion” removing the poison of Adams’ blood and replacing it with the life of the blood of Jesus.

The virgin birth was necessary because of the pollution of man’s blood through Adam’s disobedience.  If Jesus were to be a son of Adam and yet a sinless man, he had to be born of a virgin.  Jesus was “born of a woman” (not man) and as a result, could be a perfect human being because he did not have one drop of Adam’s blood flowing in his veins. 

The entire plan of redemption rests upon the power and authority of the Blood of the Lamb.  The blood is unlimited in its movement within the body and is the only tissue that is not fixed.  There are other fluids in the body, but they are not tissue, they are secretions. The blood is the only liquid tissue that can reach every single cell in the body and all the members of the body are united through the blood.  That is true in the natural and in the spiritual.

I mentioned something earlier about Adam’s blood and Christ and desire to expand on that briefly.  Medical science teaches that the blood that flows in an unborn babe’s arteries and veins is not derived from the mother but is produced within the body of the fetus (baby).  After the sperm enters the ovum and a fetus begins to develop does the blood appear! 

It is completely unnecessary that a single drop of blood be given to the developing embryo in the womb of the mother.  The mother provides all the nutrients required for the baby to develop and produce its own blood and as a result, not one single drop of blood passes from the mother to the child.  If you doubt this it can be researched and in Howell’s Textbook of Physiology, Second Edition, pages 885 and 886 we read:

“For the purpose of understanding its general functions, it is sufficient to recall that the placenta consists essentially of vascular chorionic papillae and from the fetus (the unborn child) bathed in the large blood spaces of the decidual membrane of the mother.  The fetal and maternal blood DO NOT COME INTO ACTUAL CONTACT.  THEY ARE SEPARATED FROM EACH OTHER by the walls of the fetal blood vessels and epithelial layers of the chorionic villae.”   The words in capitals should sufficiently explain.

When God created woman, He made her so that no blood would be able to pass from her to her offspring.  In the initial creation, God was looking forward in time to the birth of Jesus and providing a “sinless savior” for mankind.  Born of a woman and yet without blood contaminated by the sin of Adam.  That does not fully explain His sinlessness but hopefully will inspire you in your appreciation of the Blood and its power!

We will address this more in the next devotional.  But for now, we pause and say, “God bless you richly as you go through this day”. 

Blessings the day after Christmas!

CHRISTMAS DAY HAS ARRIVED – – MERRY CHRISTMAS…


Today many are celebrating with family in the warmth of their homes opening presents and preparing to partake of the holiday feast prepared or being prepared.  Sadly, there are others alone, cold, penniless, and destitute.  Some of them have lost all hope.  I ask that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers and if you have not already, plan to help someone in need, if not today soon.  Christmas is about Love, Caring, and Giving, and how better to manifest the Spirit of Christmas than to reach out to someone in need?

I only offer this poem below that I wrote 15 years ago during a time I had encountered parathyroid cancer and experienced a work of God the surgeon called a miracle.  As I sat in my truck at lunch praying and reading scripture I felt a warmth cover my body and knew in my heart that God had totally removed the remnant of the cancer.  I had gone through surgery but it did not appear that all had been removed. 

A second surgery was planned and about 2 weeks before the surgery this experience took place and when the PTH and calcium levels were checked they had gone from high to the low side of the normal scale.  The doctor said, “This does not happen medically.”  He then said, “I think we know who did this.”  We proceeded with the second surgery to repair some things and check everything and from that day to this, all have been normal.  Each Christmas I remember the rich blessing of life that God has given me and I give Him all the praise.

I give this poem as my gift and pray that God grant you a most joyous Christmas.  As I bid you adieu for the day, I depart shouting – – M E R R Y   C H R I S T M A S!!!

Twilight and Midnight Christmas

When we are young and life is like a flowering tree

We think only of the moment, what’s in it for me?

Christmas is a time of anticipation

Youthful joy and full of expectation

What will we get? What can we do?

It’s all about me and little about you.

Then in our teens, those rebellious years

We bring to our parents exquisite joy and rivers of tears/

Christmas is a time of anticipation

Youthful joy and full of expectation.

Why can’t I go off with my friends and see

What this world can offer me?

Then as young adults with children of our own

We are now parents and the worry to us belongs.

Christmas is a time of our children’s anticipation

Waiting to see if we fulfilled their every expectation.

If you fail, this will you hear, “But I wanted the latest and hottest fad

I didn’t get it now I am mad.”

Then come the twilight years

You are alone to face all your fears.

Children and grandchildren grown with families of their own.

It’s Christmas and you are alone,

Forgotten it seems with no one to share

Life’s little joys for no one does care.

Remember this in your Christmas of twilight

As you turn inward and are filled with the darkness of night.

It’s not the specific day that makes it is so dear

It’s not even the time of the year.

It’s that your family has set one day aside

To join you and celebrate Christmas there by your side.

© Roy Beaird – 2005

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE…


Luke 2:4-7 – “Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”  NKJV

Although I try to avoid last-minute shopping at any time, I especially avoid it during the Christmas season.  I absolutely abhor the commercialization that has frequently stolen the true meaning of Christmas from hearts.  I love seeing children with their eyes gleaming and encountering people who have a heart and spirit of love and generosity.  The contrast that weighs heavily on my heart is those who are focused on self, enduring the season out of obligation, and the Scrooge mentality that goes around “Bah Humbug.”

As I often do, I reflect on my childhood and the childhood of my children to draw my precious memories about Christmas.  We grew up poor but because virtually everyone around us was in the same condition we did not notice and were not truly aware of our lack.  We had loving parents and grandparents whose love and care overshadowed any lack.  We would usually get one present for Christmas and were grateful and appreciative of that item whether a toy pistol, a truck or whatever it was.  The cost of the item might have been $5-10 but brought a million dollars of joy to our hearts.  We had love and that made Christmas special.

I wrote the simple verse below out of my heart’s cry for a return to celebrating the Reason for the Season” and what I pray for.  May God bless you on this Christmas Eve and may your celebrations be filled with love, peace, joy, and gratitude.  May you remember who it is that we are truly celebrating and what His birth, life, and death brought to mankind! 

When Christmas Lives In The Human Heart

Each year when autumn recedes into winters fold

 With some hearts merry and some hard and cold,

There is a season that December brings

Children, toys, and glistening things.

Cynical commercialism got its start

When Christmas was banished from the human heart.

When men remember the meaning of this celebration

Moving past the politically correct deliberation,

We find that relations between classes of men

Bring peace and freedom again and again.

Love and Joy are given a new start

When Christmas lives in the human heart.

Decorations, festivities, gifts, food, and caroling

Can make the heart of man rise up and sing.

When there is caring and charity within

Christmas begins to truly live again.

Men are united rather than torn apart

When Christmas lives in the human heart.

© Roy Beaird – December 2013

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

COME TO THE LIGHT…


1 John 1:5 – “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”  NKJV

I believe in creation and believe that God has always been and will always be.  I also believe that there was a time, in God, before time.  God’s creation of the universe added nothing to His person or power it was a revelation of Who He Is!  He created all things for His Glory which allows us to catch a glimpse of His fullness.  When we glorify God we add nothing to His dimension but we expand our horizons.  When we magnify God we do not make Him greater than He is or larger but greater and larger to us or in our understanding and appreciation.

Revelation travels down three paths or roads.  I would like to briefly hit some high points in this concept. 

  • Revelation through Nature.

Psalm 19:1-3 declares to us that the very heavens declare the glory of God.  In Romans 1:18-20, we read, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”

It will be futile to say to God on the Day of Judgment, “No one told me…”  Yes, we need to spread the Good News but the Bible reveals that Nature itself reveals God and this is the simplest revelation of Him.

  • Revelation through the Word of God – The Bible.

The Bible, I believe, is a progression in revelation.  We couple God’s Word with what is clearly revealed in nature and the two combine to give an expanded revelation of God.  In the Bible, we quickly realize that God is a God of Love, Grace, Mercy, Justice, and Truth.  In the Bible, we have a revelation of God’s Plan of Salvation and the lost-ness of man without Christ.

  • Revelation through the Person of Jesus Christ.

Colossians 1:15-17 we find, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him, all things consist.”   Then in verse 19, we read, “For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell.”  This is reemphasized in Colossians 2:19 and by the words of Jesus as recorded in Hebrews 1:1-3 that IF we have seen Him (Christ) we have seen the father.

We know that in the “solar spectrum “there are “seven visible colors” which compose the spectrum seen in the rainbow, in the flashing colors of a well-cut diamond, or beveled glass.  At the upper end of the spectrum, we find violet and at the lower end red.  Someone used this to illustrate that these seven basic colors represent or reveal the perfection in the Godhead.  The number “seven” has long been associated with God and Perfection.  The writer declared a short listing as follows:

  • Red Speaks of God’s Sacrifice.
  • Blue His Heavenly Character.
  • Purple His Royal Personality or Personage.

I won’t take the time to rehearse all seven but you see the pattern and progression.  We also know that the rays of the sun can be deadly to all living organisms and are indispensable and essential to all living organisms.   Thus, we can see that in God we have His rays of Justice which demand full payment for sin, and we find His rays of Love which reach out to offer salvation, joy, peace, and mercy to all who will receive.  Jesus is our shield against the demands of Justice and our cloak of God’s Love.

May the LORD walk with you opening the right doors and closing the wrong ones this beautiful day.  Blessings!

SEX CHANGES – Transgender and God…


Psalm 139:13-16 – “For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.  14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.  15 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.  16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.  And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.”  NKJV

I find myself looking at this matter and although I probably won’t give it a lot of time, I sense that we are going I am troubled with the hoopla over the Bruce Jenner’s and others deciding they are truly women or women deciding they are men.  They go through an extensive effort to become a woman.  Truthfully, no male can become a woman for their chromosomes remain the same before and after.  I heard a psychologist say that people who engage in this behavior have a mental health issue and I would not argue that.  This whole “transgender” fervor and the overt and covert declarations that God blew it in creating people troubles me deeply.

The question I have and until now have given almost zero thought to is:  “What will people like Bruce or Caitlynn Jenner say to God when they stand before Him?”  Will they tell God He blew it?  Obviously, they believe He did so how do we square this type of behavior with the Bible?

David declared in Psalm 139 that man is “fearfully and wonderfully made” and that God knew our members, parts, gender, etc. before we were even conceived.  If we believe that God is Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnipresent how do we reconcile the suggestion that He screwed up in creating us?   Bill Gothard said years ago that those particular physical characteristics in each of us were marks of ownership and a recognition that God did not make mistakes. 

I guess if we press this to the limit, we will have to question other cosmetic attempts to fix what God created in our human bodies.  Honestly, I do not know how to answer these questions although I have an opinion I have not thought, researched, and prayed it through to the place of having a core conviction regarding it.  I know in my own heart that since I am a Creation of God and God is Perfect, I have to believe that He knew what he was doing in creating me.  He made me a male, gave me the particular physical traits that I have, and since He knows the end from the beginning, I would be inclined to believe that He did it for a reason. 

I was not created 6’5″ and while each of us undoubtedly from time to time has questioned why some parts, of our bodies, were created as they were.  I have found in this inquiry personally that I understand some of them and others I have simply accepted.  Why are some members of the same family able to dip into the gene pool and have a full head of hair and others given to male pattern baldness?  There are so many physical traits that we could delve into but if we accept what God has created and focus on Him not some perceived deficiency in us, we will be ahead in the game of life. 

I am convinced that if I lament the abundance or lack in a particular physical aspect of my physical frame, I will open the door to the devil to create an unhealthy condition in my heart.  I will be prone to question God in all things, not just those particular things.  I will miss the reality and truth that I am ‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ and my frame is His design as is my gender.

I really would not have the audacity or courage to stand before God and say, “Sorry Father, but you blew it when you created me.”  We are told that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and if we do not like the temple can that spill over into not liking the architect of the temple?

I find myself looking at this matter and although I probably won’t give it a lot of time, I sense that we are going to be dealing with people in church and life who have questions that we need to have answers for. I would ask that you examine your heart, God’s Word, and prepare to give answers to those who challenge and honestly inquire.  We are to be ready to give an answer to every man for the reason of the hope that is in us.  Know what you believe and why?

God bless you!

THE POWER AND PROBLEM OF FEAR…


1 John 4:18 – “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”  NKJV

 
The more I examine the words of Jesus as found in the Gospels the more I realize how powerful and problematic fear is in the lives of believers and non-believers.  Some have suggested that in the Gospels there are 125 times when the LORD issued something as an imperative.  He instructed us to “love others” and many other directives.  The number one theme in the Gospels it is found in a variation of the words “do not be afraid”, “fear not” and “have courage” which we find 21 times. 
 
We know that Love is a central tenet of Christianity, but the power and problem of fear are so great that our LORD focused on it more than He did love.  Fear as John tells us in 1 John, “has torment”.  Fearcauses paralysis and encourages one to draw back, hold back or slink into the shadows in hiding.  Fear keeps us from loving as God loves because we are afraid of being hurt.  Fear makes the risk greater than the reward and immobilizes us causing us to draw inward and not let others get too close.
 
Fear negates generosity highlighting the possibility of lack and creates a scarcity mentality which leads to a spirit of poverty and miserliness. If we fail to give freely and cheerfully, we close the door to blessings in our lives.  Remember that Jesus said in Luke 6:38, “Give, and IT will be given unto you good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put in your bosom.  For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”  Fear says, “If I give there will not be enough to care for my own family and needs” and thereby shuts the windows of heaven.
 
Fear is contagious!  I have witnessed fear spread through people like wildfire and a deadly disease.  Fear, in a sense, creates spiritual amnesia and we forget the good things and the blessings of the LORD in our lives.  We forget to remember!  When fear takes over “security” becomes our god, and we dare not venture outside our safe parameters.  We become hesitant and unwilling to venture out into the deep and cast our nets for the unknown brings horror to our hearts.  We cannot get out of the boat and walk to Jesus because of Fear.  Fear negates faith and paralyzes potential.
 
Fear is incredibly powerful in our human lives and Jesus recognizing the problem instructed us to guard against it and encouraged us to “look heavenward”.  He repeatedly promised to be with us.  The question is which will be most powerful in our lives, Fear or Faith?  The answer to that question is demonstrated in our actions not just our professions.
 
God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day He has created.
 

WHERE COULD I GO???


John 6:61-69 – “When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you?  62 What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before?  63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.  64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”

66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”

68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”   NKJV

James B. Coats of Summerland, Mississippi wrote a number of Gospel songs including the classic, “Where Could I Go But to the Lord.”  As with many of the timeless songs of faith, Coats captures a truth that resonates with hungry hearts and people desiring to find true spiritual freedom.

The song begins with the plight of man in the midst of a sinful world and the neediness of human beings.  The first verse also captures the visual that often we are facing the temptations and tempest of life with a sense of aloneness.  In that time of desperation, many realize there is only one place to turn and that is God.  If we are needing a refuge for our soul, a friend to stand with us in all things, and at all times what other source can we turn to but God?

He continues to tug at our heartstrings in the verse, “Neighbors are fun I love ’em, every one.  We get along in sweet accord, but when I face the chilling hand of death…”  In that time of facing eternity, there is only one real source of comfort and strength and that is God.  He draws out of our emotions the joy of life with friends and the wonderful fellowship we have together but when the chips are down and the clouds roll in there is only one true source of strength and that is God.

In our text, Jesus presented some difficult truths that caused many to realize the commitment was more than they were willing to make.  After he and the disciples witnessed the multitude turning away Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”  It is here that Peter uttered the words that are captured in this song.  Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  Also, we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”  Simply, “Where Could We Go But To You Lord?”

Life is sometimes like a peaceful sea and at other times like a raging tempest with the waves billowing ready to crush our vessel in its anger.  In those times of terror, we realize that outside God there is no safety, but we are sheltered in His arms, and in Him, there is a peace that transcends human comprehension.

God bless you and be with you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!

IT IS NO SECRET WHAT GOD CAN DO…


Ephesians 3:20-21 – “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”  NKJV

The Gospel Song was written by Stuart Hamblen, “It Is No Secret What God Can Do” was recorded by almost every major recording artist and has been a favorite of those who love Gospel music for years.

Stuart Hamblen captured the hearts of many when he wrote this tune, and the first verse identifies the reality of human failure.  It seems that with each passing day we are reminded again and again of our inability to hit the mark and how often we stumble in our walk.  In our own strength living the Christian life are an impossibility and something we should never forget.

In the second verse, Hamblen reminded us of how often we long for strength and courage to face the daunting task of life that is before us and how easily we become discouraged.  His words are an encouragement as he declares, “Do not be disheartened for I have news for you.”   It is here that he begins the incredible reminder and source of powerful encouragement as he writes:  “It is no secret what God can do.  What He’s done for others He’ll do for you.  With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you.”  This reminder of God’s incredible longsuffering and tender mercy is so refreshing in our daily struggle to walk before Him and be perfect.

I love how Hamblen then continues as he declares that in God there is no night because He is light, and we are Never alone.  The comfort that no matter where we are, we are at home because we are IN HIM.  He then reminds us that we are more than conquerors through Jesus as he pens the words, “There is no power can conquer you while God is on your side.  Take Him at His promise, don’t run away and hide.”  Why?  Because it is no secret what God can do!  What He’s done for others He will do for you.  He stands before us with His arms of love and mercy wide open calling for us to “Come unto Me.”

As Paul declares in our text, God is able to do Exceedingly Abundantly above all that we can think or ask!  Think about that!  Exceedingly abundantly ABOVE all not some but all that we can think, imagine, or even dare to ask.  That is the God we serve, and His power is immeasurable beyond all human comprehension.  That God does not operate in secret but has openly declared through the words of Jesus in Luke 12:32, “Fear not little flock, for it is My Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom…”   God is more desirous to bless us than we are to be blessed.

Remember God openly showers His love, mercy, grace, peace, protection, and provision upon His children.  Stop living in fear and walk into His arms and receive from Him Life and that more abundantly!

God bless you richly is my prayer!

GOD UNDERSTANDS MY TEARS…


Psalm 56:8 – “You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?”  NKJV

The imagery is powerful regarding God’s response to our tears, hurts, heartaches, and/or sorrows.  He puts them in His bottle.  The suggestion is that your tears are so important to God that he keeps them as a constant reminder and then records them in His book.  That is such a powerful statement my heart melts when I read it and I tremble at the knowledge that God not only sees and hears but is taking steps to deal with our difficulties.

Someone said, “Laugh, and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.”  That is not true for the Child of God for as this passage records, God takes note of our tears, so we are never alone.  We may feel that everyone on earth has forsaken us and no one cares or understands what we are facing and that might be true, but God does.  He is carefully recording each tear, the cause, and the remedy.

The wording of the Psalm suggests that God has a bottle and in that bottle, He keeps the tears we cry as well as the tears of Jesus.  He lists them individually in his book and in due time will respond to wipe away our tears and bring us into his incredible joy.  The Psalmist tells us that “weeping last for the night but joy comes in the morning.”  Then we read in Psalm 116 – “For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.”   Wow! 

Remember what the writer of Hebrews declared about our LORD in 4:15, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”  We are then encouraged to “come boldly to the throne of grace”.  That place of grace is where we find mercy in times of need.  Hallelujah!

The Isaacs sing a song entitled, “He Understands My Tears” that I will conclude with.

“It’s hard to believe He still loves me

Knowing how wrong I have been

 When all I can say is, I’m sorry

When all I can feel is my sin.

 

When all I can feel is my sin.

 He understands when all I do is cry

 He feels the hurt that no one can see down inside

 And when the words get in the way I know He still hears

 For He understands my tears.

 

You may not believe that I’m broken

 For all, you can see is my smile

 Oh, but He hears the heart that’s unspoken

 And He gives me strength through each trial.

 He understands when all I do is cry

 He feels the hurt that no one can see down inside

 And when the words get in the way I know He still hears

 For He understands my tears.

 Oh, when the words get in the way I know He still hears

 For He understands when no one else can

 He understands my tears.”

Yes, and as you go through this day go know that no matter what you encounter you are never alone!   

God bless you richly as you enjoy His day of salvation!